Inspiring Art Emerges from Blacktown Arts Centre
MEDIA RELEASE
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Inspiring art emerges at Blacktown Arts Centre
Every year the Blacktown City Art Exhibition discovers emerging young artistic talent from the region, whilst also showcasing established local artists. The annual art prize is on now and continues until 17 October.
In the 2009 exhibition, first time entrant Lauren Gock from Blacktown was awarded the Youth Art Prize for a lithographic print titled 'Public Space Pattern'. She is currently studying Fine Arts at the Nepean TAFE, where many selected artists from this year's art prize also study.
Currently in her final year of TAFE, Lauren is exploring ideas relating to pattern and repetition in urban spaces. She says "I am interested in urban space as a site of differences that clash and exist together". Her winning work depicts static buildings and crowds of transient pedestrians. To highlight the use of repetition, the work was printed onto actual sheets taken from the Yellow Pages directory. This unique approach impressed the exhibition judges who stated that Lauren's work was an innovative and fresh example of contemporary printmaking.
"It is inspiring to see Blacktown's young artists exhibiting in the annual art prize and also winning major awards. I encourage all residents to visit our Arts Centre and see the outstanding talents of our local artists on display" said Mayor of Blacktown City, Councillor Charlie Lowles.
Blacktown-based artist Leonie Le'Vano was also selected for exhibition in this year's art prize.
Her painting titled 'The Blind Man', a fictitious portrait, was inspired by the many people she has met whilst volunteering at a Blacktown nursing home. Leonie has volunteered at the nursing home for 6 years, keeping the residents company and simply talking to them about their lives.
Leonie's artistic practice is characterised by portraiture, she said "I like painting people and think about how to portray their life story. It is character and personality that I try to reveal in a portrait, not necessarily beauty". A keen artist for many years, an allergy to oil paints encouraged Leonie to dabble in other mediums and she now creates works with pastels, acrylic paints and watercolour.
The exhibition runs from 19 September - 17 October 2009 at Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown. Free entry. Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am - 5pm.
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2009 BLACKTOWN CITY ART EXHIBITION EXHIBITION DATES: 19 September - 17 October 2009. LOCATION: Blacktown Arts Centre, 78 Flushcombe Rd, Blacktown. OPEN: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am - 5pm. Admission free. |
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For artist interviews, enquiries and images contact Blacktown City Council on (02) 9839 6000.